Academy of Distinguished Chemical Engineers
The Academy of Distinguished Chemical Engineers, established in 2017, recognizes alumni, faculty and friends of the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering.
About the Academy
Considered the highest honor bestowed by the department, Academy honorees have provided leadership and technical contributions that have helped transform economies, improved the quality of life and benefited society. The Academy and its members also support the department in preparing and empowering the next generation of world-class engineers to go out and change the world.
Honorees are nominated and selected by a committee and will be invited to attend a banquet and induction ceremony with returning Academy members.
Academy Endowment
The Academy of Distinguished Chemical Engineers Endowed Excellence Fund supports critical needs within the department, such as faculty recruiting, student fellowships, facility and equipment upgrades and safety gear. The endowment also provides annual operational funds for the Academy. Make your gift today to honor your induction or your family member’s induction into the Academy.
Meet the 2026 Academy Honorees
The Class of 2026 Academy of Distinguished Chemical Engineers honors five accomplished individuals:
- John Hargis* (B.S. 1959) was the first Black undergraduate student at UT, and became the first Black student to receive an engineering degree in chemical engineering in 1959. *Indicates posthumous honoree.
- John Hartman (B.S. 1964) spent 20 years at Exxon Chemical Company, now ExxonMobil before buying and selling his own business. He now helps non-profits finance and install rooftop solar systems.
- Mark Murray (B.S. 1992) is senior vice president of the acetyl chain at Celanese Corporation. He has served on the department’s External Advisory Council and is active in philanthropic efforts that support STEM initiatives.
- Shravanthi Reddy (Ph.D. 2006) is co-founder and CEO of Vision Innovation Institute whose mission is to cure treatable blindness globally by 2050.
- William “Bill” Zelle (B.S. 1962) retired as managing director of the Engineering and Construction Risk Institute (ECRI), a working group within the World Economic Forum’s engineering and construction community. He is this year’s only honoree with firsthand experience with John J. McKetta, Jr.
